3 Top Tips to finding work as a Locum Pharmacist (guest blog)

Pharmacistweb.com spoke to Mr Clarke, the founder of locatealocumnow, an online platform that connects pharmacists to employees. Pharmacistweb appreciates the uncertainty surrounding pharmacy, and we want to help. Thats why we asked him for some tips on finding work as a locum pharmacists. Below are his views:

Finding work as a locum pharmacist can be a painful and long-drawn out process. I constantly hear from locums that no work is available however the work is there, the key is finding it. I hope this blog post provides an update to both recently qualified pharmacists and locums with some experience on the various methods you can use to find locum work.

 

I strongly believe in 3 essential techniques to be successful in finding and securing locum work:

  • Getting your name out there.
  • Being easily contactable.
  • Leaving a good reputation after you have completed the shift.

 

 

  1. Getting your name out there.

locummegaphone

 

 

Business Cards

The traditional way of finding locum work is by printing off business cards and spending a day visiting pharmacies. Business cards are relatively easy to obtain online and can be purchased for less than £10. However, do not be like the majority of other locums fretting over the colour and design of the card itself. A locum business card should contain your name and contact details. Anything more than this is probably over doing it. A positive of finding locum work this way is that you have the opportunity to create good first impression. However it’s hard to know that your card will be placed in the drawer containing other business cards of the 1000 locums that called in before you.

 

Use your Personal Network

Graduating from university does come with benefits in that now you have many friends who are also pharmacists. Make the most of these connections. Why not set up an informal agreement between you and your other friends. If a person gets asked to cover a shift and isn’t free they should then refer to another locum. This method works well but everyone has to participate and ensure all referrals are reciprocated. Ensure everyone in your referral network is working to the same standard because when you refer, your reputation is still on the line if the locum isn’t any good.

 

Look outside where you did your Pre-Reg

As you approach the end of your pre-reg: make your pharmacy aware you are ready, available and looking for work. It’s great to start locuming where you did your pre-reg as you already know staff, customers and also how the company operates. However don’t make this your only option for work. Pharmacists only locuming where they did their pre-reg can be disadvantaged because of limited experience of working elsewhere. Also when your pre-reg pharmacy doesn’t need cover- you are stuck without work. Keep your options open and look outside where you did your pre-reg- it pays off!

 

Locum Agency

Locums can have a love/hate relationship with agencies. They love having the opportunity to effortlessly find work but hate when agencies take advantage of them.

Before you sign up to an agency, do your homework.

Do they put the best interests of you as a locum first? Do they sign you into a contract in that you cannot take locum work elsewhere? Do they provide correct and timely information on locum slots? Will you be paid on time?

Personally I have had bad past experiences with agencies and used this the main reason for founding Locate a Locum now. An online platform connecting pharmacists with employers without the use of agencies.

 

Social media

Are you using social media to find locum work? If not, you are missing out. Facebook and LinkedIn are especially awash with people and pharmacies needing cover.

Treat LinkedIn as your Locum Business card and connect with other pharmacists/pharmacies in your area. Use your profile to detail your experience as a locum and what you are currently looking for. Before long, you will be able to see this method can pay off in a huge way.

Facebook Groups also provide an opportunity not only to find work but also connect with other locums across the country. I myself make use of this in the Facebook Group: Locum Pharmacist UK and Ireland. On a daily basis, cover is needed and other locums are asking for advice.

 

2. Being easy contactable.

 

Mobile Phonelocumphone

Having a mobile phone is essential as a locum. How else do you expect to be contacted on the go? However making the most of this handy little tool also requires some more thought:

  • Be sure to have a mobile phone operator who has good coverage (mobile reception) in all areas.
  • Ensure good battery ( don’t forget to have a portable charger)
  • Don’t change your number often. Every time you do this you start right back at the beginning of “getting your name out there”
  • Set up a proper voicemail –informing caller who they have reached and what to do and how you will respond.
  • Have some mobile data ( this allows you to check email requests for cover and also respond to social media requests)
  • Check your phone. Obviously you need to pick a suitable time to do this (whilst speaking to a patient is definitely not a good idea). As a self-employed pharmacist any pharmacy owner should allow you to have a minute to yourself to check if you have received any requests and update your diary. Your livelihood depends on it.

 

 

3. Leaving a good impression

Are you well informed of what to expect on the day?

Leaving a good impression starts before you complete the locum shift. Do you know how to get to the pharmacy and where to park? Does the previous pharmacist have any instructions for you? Do you know what computer system you are using?

If you do not know the answer to any of these questions, I suggest you contact the pharmacy before the shift and find out. Being well informed will help you to be a better locum on the day.

 

Go the extra mile

Locum Pharmacists are in a competitive market and your work will always be evaluated against all other pharmacists. Making this work in my favour I always do more than what is expected. If it is achievable of course. For example, completing your instructions and also making a start on prescriptions for delivery tomorrow.

 

Leave instructions/ action notes for follow up

Do as your mother used to say “Treat other people the way you would like to be treated”. For me this means leaving clear instructions or action notes for whoever is the pharmacist working after me. This allows easy follow up of any problems or issues and demonstrates greater thinking outside your booked slot.

I hope this blog has given you some ideas to make the most of opportunities to find locum work. Is there anything you do as a locum which can be added to the list? Please comment below.

 

locatealocum

Jonathon Clarke
Founder of Locate a locum
An online platform connecting pharmacists with employers
www.locatealocumnow.co.uk

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